How To Not Get Deactivated as an Uber or Lyft Driver

Uber and Lyft both have deactivation policies, but sometimes (if or when you’re deactivated), the reason can seem very arbitrary. Today, RSG contributor Jay Cradeur tries to de-mystify the reasons why drivers can be deactivated and recommendations for avoiding deactivation.

In order to remain an active rideshare driver, you need to adhere to Uber and Lyft’s deactivation policy guidelines. For the most part, the do’s and don’t’s listed below will keep you from being deactivated… unless there is a problem with the Uber background check system. Lately, Uber has been in the news for deactivating drivers for no apparent reason, which is what happened to me late last year.

However, some drivers are deactivated for very legitimate reasons. This article will present the basic Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to driving and maintaining an active driver status.

Editor’s Note: Uber and Lyft have their own deactivation policies and Terms of Service, but there is still clearly a lot unwritten. Jay has given over 14,000 rides over the last few years, so these are the recommendations he’s learned over the years – plus a few common-sense things to do or not do.

Here are the Must Do’s – To Stay Active on the Platforms

Treat Your Passengers With Respect

Give a friendly greeting. Gauge your passengers. Some want to talk. Others want to be left alone. Treat them as you would want to be treated, with compassion and respect.

Give Your Passenger Personal Space

Most passengers will sit in the back seat. Some will sit in the front. Be cognizant of your spatial distance to your passengers. Allow them to feel comfortable and safe in your car.

Keep Your Star Rating Above a 4.6

I looked on the Internet for any specific guidelines regarding unacceptable star ratings. A rating of 4.6 seems to be the lowest you can go before you get a warning or deactivation.

If you are getting close to a 4.6, you need to ask yourself why your rating is so low. Most passengers give a 5 unless you do something upsetting. Don’t be rude or obnoxious. Pick up and drop off your passengers on time. The number one complaint from passengers is a bad route and lack of city knowledge. All of this can be remedied by becoming proficient at using Waze or your GPS of choice for navigation.

Keep Your Cancellation Rate Below 10%

If you accept a ride, take the ride. Both companies monitor your cancellation rate. They don’t want passengers expecting a pick up and then the driver does not show up. 1 out of 10 is acceptable. Below that, and you may get a warning and possible deactivation.

Drive Safely And Follow All Traffic Laws

Slow and easy. No rush. Give your passenger a pleasant drive.

One reason you could get deactivated is your car doesn’t qualify to drive for rideshare anymore. If you still want to drive rideshare but your car doesn’t qualify, let RideShare Rental get you back on the road with their rideshare-approved vehicles.Learn more about the rental program here.

Maintain All Your Paperwork

Last year, I forgot to update my vehicle inspection documents. On the due date, I was immediately deactivated. Keep your documents up to date.

Provide Accurate Personal Information

Don’t falsify any documents. If you do and you are caught, you will be deactivated.

Pick Up Passengers With Service Animals

I love to get a passenger with a dog. Dogs are great. It is illegal to refuse a passenger who has a service dog. Service animals are not only Seeing Eye dogs for the blind. Many people keep a small dog with them for emotional support. You must accept these passengers and their furry friends.

Editor’s Note: Drivers do not have to transport emotional support animals per Uber and Lyft’s policies. However, we have heard from many drivers who have been deactivated by Uber and Lyft for refusing emotional support animals because the passengers complained. If you refuse an emotional support animal, we highly recommend you purchase a dash cam in case a rider complains that you wouldn’t take their “service animal.”

This is all pretty interesting, because for a while Uber did have the Uber Teen program in a few cities. That seems to have gone away for now. Uber now has Uber Family, but according to Uber’s policy, family account holders also have to be age 18 to request a ride.

All of this to say: you can decline and should according to Uber and Lyft’s policies decline a ride for a minor… but you can also possibly expect someone to complain about you for doing so.

Do Not Engage In Sexual Talk Or Sexual Activity With A Passenger.

I have a firm “no sex with passengers” rule. While not spelled out by Uber or Lyft, it’s advisable to have the same rule yourself. Do not have sex with a passenger. Do not come on to a passenger. Do not flirt.

One year ago, I received a warning because one passenger (UberPOOL ride) insisted on talking about his sexual conquest the night before and a female passenger felt uncomfortable. Avoid and defuse any and all conversations about sex. While it is not policy, I also recommend avoiding any talk about politics and religion.

Do Not Attempt To Contact Any Passengers After The Ride Is Over

While you might make a meaningful connection during a ride, especially if you drive at night, leave it there. Pursuing a passenger for any type of a relationship after the ride is over will get you deactivated.

Do Not Text While Driving

In most states, texting while driving is illegal and can earn you an expensive citation. Only use your phone to manage your rides. Stay off of all social media, email, and texting apps.

Do Not Drink Or Do Any Drugs While Driving

I have had many passengers tell me they have been in the car of drivers who smelled like marijuana. Save it for after your shift.

And if you get any passengers who reek of marijuana or alcohol, make sure to drive around and air out the windows after they’re gone. Do this for at least 5-10 minutes before picking up your next passenger as smells can linger and even though you may not smell it anymore, it may still be there.

Do Not Drive When Drowsy Or Tired

As drivers, we must be responsible for our attentiveness while on the road. If you are tired, stop your shift and take a nap.

Do Not Use Inappropriate And Abusive Language Or Gestures.

I had one passenger swear at me. If this happens to you, do not swear back. Control your emotions and wish them a good day. Maintain the temperament of a monk.

Do Not Allow Any Laws To Be Broken By Passengers During A Ride

Do Not Carry Any Firearms.

Keep the Glock at home. Yes, Uber prohibits firearms in your vehicle. Yes, I know some states allowed for concealed carry. It’s still against Uber’s rules though so you’ll have to decide if you want to get deactivated from Uber for doing so.

Do Not Accepting Illegal Street Hails

We are not a taxi service. Only accept Uber and Lyft rides using the app.

Do Not Solicit Cash Payments For Rides

Once a passenger accidentally cancelled the ride when he got in the car. I then got another ping within seconds from another passenger. The passenger offered to pay me cash to drive him to his destination. We cannot do this. The passenger had to get out of the car and request a new ride from a different driver.

Do Not Discriminate

Do not avoid any neighborhoods based on racial or socio economic profile. Do not avoid picking up anyone based on a person’s race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, gender identity, or age.

A Few More Considerations

It is recommended that you keep your acceptance rate above 90%. This means that when you get a ping, you accept the ping 9 out of 10 times. You will not be deactivated for not accepting rides.

However, if you make it a habit, the company may put you on a “time out” and turn off your app for a period of time, usually a few minutes. If you don’t want to accept any rides, it is recommended that you go offline until you are ready to accept rides.

What to Do If You Are Deactivated

If you are deactivated, the first thing you want to do is find out why you were deactivated. Some activities lead to permanent deactivation, while others can be remedied.

Committing a crime while driving for Uber or Lyft will get you deactivated permanently. A low rating can be remedied with some training and a commitment to improving your skill set. Contact the company that deactivated you and ask for your options. Then you can choose if you want to keep driving or move on to another line of work.

Editors Note: It’s important to also make sure you are signed up to drive with another service like Caviar. That way you have a strong contingency plan if the worst happens.

These Do’s and Dont’s all seem very reasonable. There is no need to be deactivated if you behave as a professional and follow the rules. If you keep in mind that all the passenger wants is a safe, pleasant, comfortable and direct ride to their destination, then you will be A-OK. Be safe out there.

Drivers, do you have any additional insight on Uber and Lyft’s deactivation policies? Let us know in the comments.

-Jay @ RSG

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Jay Cradeur, a graduate of UC Berkeley, is a full-time driver with 21,000 rides. Jay’s mission is “Work. Travel. Joy.” Jay has visited ten countries in the last year, thanks to the revenue opportunity and flexibility of rideshare driving. If you want to get a weekly driving tip, watch more videos, learn how Jay makes $2K per week, or ask a question, visit his website at www.sfschoolofdriving.com.

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I'm Harry, the owner and founder of The Rideshare Guy Blog and Podcast. I used to be a full-time engineer but now I'm a rideshare blogger! I write about my experience driving for Uber, Lyft, and other services and my goal is to help drivers earn more money by working smarter, not harder. Read More…

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